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Air Force ROTC coming to RCC

ASHEBORO — Randolph Community College is establishing an Air Force ROTC program this fall in conjunction with North Carolina A&T State University.

The cross-town agreement between the Air Force, RCC and North Carolina A&T will allow RCC students to take advantage of scholarship opportunities, gain leadership experience and earn their bachelor’s degrees while preparing to be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force upon graduation.

A recent survey of RCC students showed at least 80 students who were interested in the program, said Dr. James W. Kelley, RCC vice president for student services. “I am very excited about this opportunity for our students,” said Kelley.

Students will take regular courses at RCC and all ROTC courses at A&T. The ROTC courses can be used as non-core electives at RCC. During the students’ freshman and sophomore years at RCC, they can expect to spend approximately five hours a week at A&T, three in class and two in training. The program includes ROTC courses, a leadership laboratory, physical training and field training.

Students will compete to be selected for the Professional Officer Course, the junior/senior level of the program. The competition is based on cumulative GPA, ACT/SAT score, physical test and commander ranking. The students that make it through the selection process are guaranteed a job in middle management and these jobs outrank 75 percent of middle America’s jobs, according to Air Force officials. The Air Force offers more than 100 officer career fields in the areas of aircraft, space and missiles, engineering, science, computer science, law, health services and management.

Air Force ROTC scholarships potentially pay up to $18,000 a year toward tuition, $900 a year toward books and a $300-500 monthly allowance during the school year.

After graduating from college and completing all AFROTC requirements, participants will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force. Non-flying officers are obligated to serve four years on active duty; combat systems officers and air battle managers must serve at least six years after training; and pilots serve a minimum of 10 years after training.

To participate in the Air Force ROTC, students must be enrolled full-time at RCC and meet physical, moral, academic and citizenship requirements.

For more information, interested students should visit RCC’s Welcome Center or call (336) 633-0200 and make an appointment with a counselor in the Student Success Center. For general information on the Air Force ROTC program, go to www.afrotc.com.